Mexico player ratings: How did El Tri perform in draw against USMNT?

Mexico failed to beat the United States at the Azteca for the third straight time, dealing another blow to an El Tri team that was used to throttling their rivals in Mexico City. But, despite the disappointing result, Mexico didn’t play poorly and still sit pretty in World Cup qualifying. All in all, El Tri are fine.

But how did their players do in this match? Let’s take a look:

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Guillermo Ochoa: 4

You don’t want to put too much blame on Ochoa for Michael Bradley’s goal. After all, he wasn’t expecting a giveaway from his midfield and certainly didn’t think Bradley would hit a sublime chip, but it’s still a goal you don’t expect him to give up. Otherwise, Ochoa was solid.

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Carlos Salcedo: 5

Salcedo defended well, but he should have at least gotten a yellow card early in this match and potentially a red. The referee was exceedingly kind to him and he could have really ruined Mexico’s night. Luckily, he found some sense and defended well despite being put on the right instead of the center, like usual.

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Diego Reyes: 6.5

The question for Reyes is always whether he makes an egregious error. He didn’t, and as a result he had a nice match.

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Hector Moreno: 7.5

Moreno is Mexico’s leader in defense and he was just that against the U.S. The back line was organized and assured, with Moreno leading the way. Toss in some nice tackles and one excellent interception to cut out a dangerous American counter and you have a very nice showing.

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Oswaldo Alanis: 5

Alanis only lasted 31 minutes, but that was mainly a tactical move to get another attacking player on the field. He was generally forgettable in his short stint.

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Hector Herrera: 8.5

Herrera was absolutely phenomenal. After an underwhelming start to 2017, the midfielder has been sensational in consecutive World Cup qualifiers and it looks like he’s back at his best. He broke up the U.S. attack, slowed the counter, and then moved the ball well in transition. Had his long range rocket gone in, as opposed to hitting the post, he’d be the hero.

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Jonathan dos Santos: 8

Part of the reason Herrera has been so good is dos Santos’ excellent discipline and defensive work has freed Herrera to roam a little more. Once again, dos Santos was as reliable as Mexico needed in the midfield and he was tidy on the ball, completing 88 percent of his passes.

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Marco Fabian: 4

Fabian was supposed to provide some creativity and a spark to break down the American defense. He didn’t.

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Carlos Vela: 8

The summer of Vela is well underway. He’s been outstanding ever since joining up with El Tri three weeks ago and scored Mexico’s lone goal in this one by showing great patience, explosion and then burying a nice shot from 20 yards. Right now, he’s unquestionably Mexico’s most dynamic player.

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez: 5

The Mexican star had a couple of decent opportunities, but couldn’t quite turn them into shots. He only had one good look all match and was quieter than El Tri wanted from their striker.

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Hirving Lozano: 4

Lozano has been the talk of Mexico for a couple weeks thanks to his terrific play and links to clubs like Manchester City, but he was anonymous in this one. Had Jesus Manuel “Tecatito” Corona not had to withdraw from the team, Lozano probably wouldn’t have started, and he made sure Mexico missed Tecatito with an underwhelming showing.

Jesus Gallardo: 5.5

Gallardo showing plenty of burst and created some danger after coming on as a first half substitute. Had his crossing been better, Mexico probably win and he looks like a star, but that crossing left a lot to be desire.

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Javier Aquino: 5

He played more than a half hour off the bench and had some bright moments, but his made a mess of his best chance late in the match when he should have scored the winner.

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Orbelin Pineda: N/A

Pineda only played 13 minutes. He’s going to be a fixture in this rivalry matches going forward, though.